Join us
A440 Choir welcomes interest from anyone who might like to join us. Existing members reflect a wide range of work interests, backgrounds, ages and levels of musical experience. We would love to hear from you if you think A440 might be the choir for you. Come and join a rehearsal or come to one of our concerts to see and hear us in person.
Commitment
We rehearse on Wednesday evenings from 7:45pm to 10pm during school term time, at Christ Church in Woodley, Reading. (Occasionally events and rehearsals can also happen outside term time.) We perform 4-6 concerts a year and enter competitions when possible.
What we ask of members:
- A singing commitment to ensure music is learnt to the highest possible standard in a given time. This includes learning most music and words by memory so that it can be performed ‘off copy’. This is done over a period of time and is easier than you think with rehearsal audio files available to support this. Everyone recognises the benefit of this because we can focus on the conductor and the audience rather than having our faces in the music!
- Some basic music reading experience/ability and some choral singing experience would be useful but not essential.
- Good attendance at rehearsals and concerts
What we offer members:
- Energy, enthusiasm and vocal leadership from our skilled and experienced MD.
- Rewarding musical activity that provides challenge, development and a feeling of pride
- A friendly welcome and opportunity to socialise, both at rehearsals and other planned events.
- Opportunity to sing a wide range of musical genres at events that often involve collaboration with other performers and art forms.
- Occasional opportunities for solo or small group parts If you have a particular vocal or instrumental talent
Subscriptions
Members currently pay a subscription of £78.75 per term, or £236.25 per year (reviewed annually) with a 50% reduction for those under 30 years of age.
Joining Process
New applicants will be invited to come along to rehearsals for up to 4 weeks on a probationary basis. This allows us all to get to know one another before you decide whether you want to commit to joining as a full member.
During that time, you can be provided with some of the current repertoire if you pay a deposit equivalent to one term’s subs (if successful you will have paid your subs; otherwise, the money will be returned when you give the music back). This means you will have had the opportunity, prior to the audition, to have studied some of the music. If after 3-4 rehearsals you confirm your wish to join, a short audition will then be arranged for you with the choir’s MD.
The audition itself is relaxed and nothing to worry about. It is only to verify some basic vocal abilities. You will be asked to sing a song of your own choice and a few exercises to determine the range of your voice. Most people who can sing in tune with a pleasant voice will pass easily. Overall, we are looking for people who bring a positive attitude, aptitude and skill base to choral singing.
More information
If you would like more information about joining Reading A440 Choir then please email readingA440@gmail.com – we look forward to hearing from you.
